Jordan's path to digital governance: Advancements in GTMI - By Ahmad Al Naimi, The Jordan Times
Jordan, a nation renowned for its rich history and strategic location, has increasingly recognized the importance of technology in enhancing governmental operations and public services. Central to this transformation is the Government Technology Maturity Index (GTMI), a vital framework that evaluates and improves the integration of technology in governance. This initiative signifies Jordan's commitment to modernizing its public sector and fostering a more efficient and transparent government.
In the 2025 GTMI, Jordan advanced 10 places to rank 21st globally out of 197 countries, achieving a score of 91.4 per cent. This significant improvement reflects the nation's focused efforts in technological integration. Jordan has shown progress across all four main components of the GTMI compared to 2022. The Basic Government Systems Index saw Jordan improve its rank to 31st globally, up from 40th in 2022, while maintaining 4th rank in the Arab world. The Public Service Provision Index moved Jordan to 26th globally from 42nd, remaining 5th in the Arab world. This component measures citizen-directed e-portals, e-filing services, and integrated digital payment capabilities. Furthermore, the Government Technology Enablers Index improved Jordan's rank to 29th globally from 34th, advancing to 4th in the Arab world from 5th.
Jordan faces several challenges, including economic constraints and a high influx of refugees from neighbouring countries. This context makes the efficient use of technology essential in streamlining governmental processes and improving service delivery. The GTMI helps identify areas needing development, allowing the government to allocate resources effectively and implement solutions that enhance the overall experience for citizens. Through various governmental initiatives, Jordan has begun to harness technology to address these challenges. Notably, 1.8 million digital IDs have been activated, over 500 e-services rolled out through the SANAD application, and over 80 per cent of government services have been digitised. These efforts have already shown promising results, illustrating Jordan's commitment to enhancing its public sector.
One of the hallmarks of a successful government is its ability to engage with its citizens actively. The GTMI emphasises transparency and accountability, urging government entities to foster public participation through technology. Jordan's initiatives, such as online feedback systems and digital platforms for reporting issues, have made significant strides toward creating an inclusive governance model. By facilitating direct communication between citizens and government, Jordan not only enhances trust but also empowers citizens to take an active role in shaping their communities.
Looking ahead, Jordan's journey toward technological maturity remains promising. The government’s focus on digital transformation is aligned with broader global trends, and as a result, Jordan's rank in the Global Innovation Index rose to 65th in 2025 from 73rd in 2024. This positioning indicates the nation as a potential leader in technology-driven governance in the region. Investments in education and training for public servants emphasise the importance of building a skilled workforce adept at leveraging technology for better governance.
To end with, the Government Technology Maturity Index (GTMI) serves as a critical asset for Jordan in its pursuit of modern governance. By emphasising technology's role in enhancing service delivery, engaging citizens, and improving transparency, Jordan is paving the way for a more efficient and resilient government. As the nation continues to navigate the complexities of the digital age, the GTMI will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future, ensuring that Jordan remains at the forefront of governmental innovation in the Middle East.